Houston Advocate Fix: Homeowner at odds with HOA will be allowed to keep security door

Charles Babineaux installed security doors to protect his property after neighbors in his Harris County subdivision were having their doors kicked in and their belongings stolen. The Brunswick Meadows Homeowners Association board had asked him to remove the bars on the front door, but recently reversed its decision following a Houston Advocate story. (Mayra Beltran | Houston Chronicle)

Charles Babineaux, whose tug-of-war with his Harris County HOA was the subject of the Chronicle’s March 16 Houston Advocate story, learned this week that he can keep his security door.

According to a letter from the Brunswick Meadows Homeowners Association, the board of directors voted to allow any security door that was installed prior to July 1, 2010, which was the date AMI Houston took over HOA management.

In 2007, Babineaux was among the first homeowners in the subdivision – on Harris County’s south side toward Pear­land. The area became a target for thieves who kicked in doors to steal new appliances and other valuables.

At the time, his homeowners association told him to take whatever precautions he deemed necessary to protect his home. So, the METRO bus driver had wrought-iron security doors installed on the front and rear entrances of his house. The metal barrier facing the street also has a tinted background panel.

But recently, a new regime managing the HOA told him to remove the fortification from the front of his home.

“They say it makes the neighborhood look unsafe. They say people ride through the neighborhood and they don’t want to move in, but people are trying to save their houses,” Babineaux told the Advocate.

There was nothing found in HOA files indicating that a previous board gave Babineaux the go-ahead on the security doors, but he’s not alone. At least two other home­owners have installed burglar bars because of crime issues.

Officials said earlier this month they were working on a resolution even though a deed restriction barred the security door.

When Babineaux opened his mail Monday, he had a letter from AMI Houston.

His violation case has been closed.

“I appreciate the homeowners association and [president] Mr. Michael Johnson for working with me. I am glad to see this matter is solved,” said Babineaux, 57. “I just wanted them to leave me alone about my door.”